Tracker? - James Conrad

5 hours (bonus)

I knew I wouldn't sleep tonight. Not here. I wanted to sit at the top of the wall like usual, but I'd be eaten by something before I got the chance. I sat against the wall, looking out at the sky. There were occasional roars and growls from animals far away. I wonder what I'll do when all of this is over? Maybe I'll have to just be homeless. I have nobody left. Hank always said he'd help me out. He was lucky. From what I knew he had a wife and son to go back to. What did I have? A family house that was probably resold and a cat that probably died of neglect.

I had so many thoughts flying around in my head that I didn't notice James sit next to me until he spoke.

"Everyone's asleep you know?" His voice broke me from my trance.

"Apparently not everyone." I sighed, not turning to look at him.

"What're you thinking about?" He asked me, leaning back so we were level with each other. Not vertically as he was just under a foot taller than me.

"What I'm gonna do when I get back." There's no point in lying to him.

"And what are your plans." He looks at me.

"I don't know... get a job. Start a new life. Move on. Meet new people. See new things... all that crap. How about you?" I look at him while I ask my question, eagerly waiting his response.

"Continue with life, move on from this place, meet new people, see new things and all that." He smiles at me and I actually laugh lightly.

"I don't suppose you know anywhere that would hire a mercenary. Would you ex-captain?" I sweetly smile.

"You'd be surprised. You can come with me. I'll introduce you." He winks and I roll my eyes.

"I'm serious James. I don't wanna live on the streets."

"I'm serious too. You can come with me. I'll help you until you fit in with the world again."

"I've been gone 3 years not 30." I look at him.

"Any idea if they presumed me dead?" I asked looking down. There weren't many people looking for me.

"I've only seen the name Victoria once in the obituaries. Family, Mother, father, daughter and son." My breath gets caught in my throat. I try to suppress the memory of my little brother. He caught some illness on our first day of sailing. It killed him. I'd never been so sad at the time. He was only 8 years old...

"The last name was Godwin. Wasn't it?"

"How did you?- Oh, Victoria." One of his arms wraps around my shoulders and I lean on his side.

"Why is life so unfair?" I ask him. He tenses at my question. Obviously not quite sure how to answer.

"Silver linings." He replies.

"When do I get mine?" I ask genuinely interested.

"Well you were a mercenary before?"

"Yep."

"Well at least a you do somewhat of a good thing with your life." He smiles down, trying to make me feel better. As much as I wish it did. It didn't work.

"That doesn't really change much." I mumble closing my eyes. My thoughts are making me sleepy. I yawn and cuddle deeper into James' side in my tired state. I feel him wrap both arms around me. Holding me protectively in place.

"Goodnight Conrad." I slur.

"Sweet dreams Victoria."

That was the first night in nearly four years I slept properly.